Questions tagged [customs]

94 questions
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Stepping on kolams

In India I observed practically every household washing (or having washed) their entrance in the morning and painting a kolam (a/k/a rangoli and many others) in front of the entrance. I understand that a kolam is used to bring prosperity to the…
Earthliŋ
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Why Physicians and Musicians are not qualified for many religious activities?

Many places in the Shaastras says the Physicians and musicians are not eligible to receive gift, considered as witness, invite to Shraddhas, etc. Why are these professions have been classed like this? Example: A palmist, a thief turned into a…
Kanthri
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Are customs still important to follow and why?

We have many customs and traditions to follow in hinduism, but I see that many persons are not following or neglecting them. For example Brahmins should not cross the ocean but that is already broke by many people including Swami Vivekananda. Like…
user2225190
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5
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Head shaving when father is alive

Elders in community say full shaving of head is not allowed for those with living father (parents). Only at the death of the father the head is full shaved and after that one can shave any time. Here full head shave I mean without tuft (Shikha). At…
Kanthri
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5
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4 answers

Sadhus grow their hair while Pandits shave them. Why?

I have seen many Sadhu who grow their hair and never cut them, while there are some Pandits who shave their hair and just have a small pony tail. Both of them are devotees of God but have opposite traits for their hairs. Adding more on this, Hindus…
Aby
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What are different types of Arties?

What are the different types of Arties available? What is the use of Mangala Arti? Is Mangal Arti and Dhrishti Arti both same? How to prepare for Mangala Arti?
user2225190
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Dwitiya Nasta: importance of second day

I heard in one upanyasa a vidwan say that we should must continue the activity/work on second iteration; he said "dwitiya nasta" will not result in good outcome. For example: if you start reading something today and this is supposed to be a daily…
Kanthri
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Eunuchs curse/blessings

Eunuchs demand for money at crossroads/signals/shops/etc. There is fear and people try to avoid their curse. Also some people seek their blessings. Are there any scriptural references where eunuchs have special powers which make curse or blessings…
Kanthri
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Hindu customs to make a normal women to widow

Why the women chew jeera & salt while seeing widow first time in their relatives ? If they don't chew, what will happen ?
Prasad
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